Iphone Frenzy!

By: Nicole Morten

Posted: Mon 9:52 AM, Jan 18, 2010

By: Nicole Morten

Mobile Applications I can’t live without

If you are always on the go and do not always have time to sit and watch the news, or you just prefer to receive updates from your smart phone, you are not alone. The great thing about a smart phone is, well, how smart they really are. Take the Iphone for example, I purchased mine about six months ago, and it is the best investment I have made in quite some time; it has unfortunately become my lifeline. The Iphone is something I use both personally and professionally. The saying: “The sky is the limit,” is the exact definition of the Iphone and all of the glorious capabilities that come along with it. The capabilities are endless, and it really helps to manage my work schedule, emails, and not to mention the slew of social media platforms I am connected to. I wanted to share some applications I just couldn’t live without, and the best part…they are all FREE! If you are on a budget like me, I had to steer clear of the applications

AP Mobile

Being a newshound, I always want to know the latest news and information as it breaks and becomes available. AP Mobile was one of my very first Iphone application downloads, and I use it every single day personally, and professionally. The great thing about this application is you can customize it however you deem fit. For example, I receive text alerts on my phone whenever any breaking news event occurs, whether it be locally or across the country. I receive press releases from automotive to religion and travel. I can also select up to five or six regions of world news, while at the same time read about what’s happening in my neighborhood.

Facebook

With more than 350 million active users, facebook has become a worldwide phenomenon. Although this could be potentially dangerous, (if you have friends like mine) it is a great tool. I am always logged on, and am able to update my status, literally, in just one tap. I can upload pictures and videos directly onto facebook as they are taken.

NPR News

NPR is also a fantastic multimedia news outlet I follow. This application allows you to create a playlist with all of your favorite NPR stations, Program’s and Podcast’s. This free application lets users choose their favorite NPR station by state; users can also choose their favorite station, topic of news, newscast, and even listen to podcasts.

Shazam

This is a wonderful application and so incredibly helpful! Shazam is a music discovery engine. We've all been there before...we have a song we heard on the radio, and we can't get it out of our head! It comes on the radio, and you missed the DJ announcing the artist....well, Shazam will cure that for you! For example, once you download Shazam, if your favorite song comes on, open up the Shazam application on your phone, hit “Tag Now” in the top right hand corner, and then, the program listens to the music playing on your radio (or Ipod, etc...) Within a few seconds, it tells you who the artist is, what the song is called and even gives you an in depth report of the artist... With most songs, it gives an option to even buy the song on Itunes, or ‘tweet’ on Twitter what song you are listening to. How cool is that?

Tweetphoto

If you have a twitter account, you can send out “Tweets” and photos or “Twitpics”. Also, if you are new to twitter, you can also send out tweets via text message from your phone. If you are in the U.S., all you have to do is send a text message to 40404 and then type in your message, as you would a regular text message. I found a very helpful 'Ultimate Guide to Twitter ' the other day, so have at it!

UStream

A friend of mine introduced me toUStream a few weeks ago, and this is absolutely incredible! With UStream, users can broadcast live events to an unlimited audience size while ‘Social Streaming’. In other words, audience members and members of the live broadcast can chat on ‘real time’ through Twitter, Facebook and Skype. All you have to have is a phone that with video capabilities and an internet connection. Once you sign into UStream, you create a show and you are literally up and running, and broadcasting your very own show on the internet.

Skype

Skype goes hand in hand with UStream for me. If there is a breaking news event and I do not have a live truck with me, I can literally go live via my IPhone using Skype, and be on TV within a matter of minutes from my phone. (Technology is amazing!) With this application, users can make phone calls, chat and instant message each other for free.

While these applications are my favorite, I understand there are a plethora of other useful applications out there. So if you took the time to read my favorites, feel free to comment below and tell the world what applications you just can't live without!

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